New Delhi, Dec 27: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday urged party leaders to draw up a clear strategy for a nationwide movement opposing the Centre’s decision to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM-G) 2025.
Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee, Kharge said a countrywide campaign was essential to resist the repeal of MGNREGA, recalling how sustained public opposition had compelled the government to withdraw the three contentious farm laws. He also described the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at curbing democratic rights.
Kharge said the meeting was taking place at a time when democracy, the Constitution and citizens’ rights were under severe threat. He described MGNREGA as a landmark and visionary initiative of the UPA government that had earned global recognition.
According to him, the scheme was named after Mahatma Gandhi because of its far-reaching social impact.
“The Modi government has repealed this law without any study, assessment or consultation with states and political parties, just as it did with the three farm laws,” Kharge said. He stressed that the move must be opposed across the country, citing the rollback of proposed amendments to the land acquisition law in 2015 as an example of successful resistance.
Calling it a collective responsibility, Kharge said the party must formulate concrete plans around MGNREGA and launch a nationwide public outreach campaign.
On the issue of electoral rolls, he reiterated that the SIR was a serious matter and accused the government of using it to undermine democratic rights.
Kharge also condemned attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, saying the issue had caused concern across the country.
Additionally, he criticised alleged attacks on Christmas celebrations by “organisations linked to the BJP and RSS,” stating that such incidents had disturbed communal harmony and damaged India’s image internationally.
